What was begun in Bergheim as a model of inter-generational encounter, has since logically become a standard operation within the entire Lazarus Group. As a result of this cooperation between elderly and youth, the senior citizens profit equally with the KiTa children. In order to achieve this cooperation between the generations in Bergheim, the concept of the house on Heer Street was conceived. The accommodations for Lazarsu-KiTa are located on the ground floor. The upper floor contains the furnishings for the day care. Common inter-generational activities are singing, handicrafts, baking, or bowling. The children’s favorite activity is being read to by the seniors, or listening to stories told by the seniors of the days of their childhood.
Daily, Mondays through Fridays, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, fourteen seniors can receive care from a multi-talented team of caregivers. “At first, there was a lot of skepticism on the part of some seniors. They felt that at their age, they should not be required to attend another KiTa, but since then our day care clients have become very pleased with the daily activities with the children. The interaction between the children and the seniors enables the children very quickly to develop the necessary social skills required in the care of seniors”, according to Heike Mulder, Chief of the Nursing Service of the facility.
On August 20, 2015, between noon and 5:00 pm, the first anniversary of the day care facility will take place with a summer festival, and an open house at Nr. 4 Heer Street in Bergheim. Refreshments will be served. Not only people involved with the facility and their relatives are heartily invited. Care experts and teachers, who would like to learn about the Lazarus-concept, and who have a desire and interest for a mission within the Lazarus Group, are also welcome.
LAZARUS HILFSWERK
Charitable arm of the Humanitarian Grand Priory (GPEU)